Heartbreaking Rescue: Dog Found Beaten and Doused in Cleaning Chemicals by Owner
A shocking video shows the moment RSPCA inspectors burst into a home in Keighley, West Yorkshire, to discover a bloodied and unconscious dog lying in a bathtub after being beaten and soaked in household cleaner by her cruel owner.
The nine-year-old American bulldog, named Smiler, had suffered repeated abuse at the hands of Gary David Bell, 50, who has now been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison and banned from keeping animals for life.
When RSPCA inspector Sarah Bagley attended Bell’s address with police on August 8, she heard heavy, labored breathing from a ground-floor bathroom window. Looking inside, she was horrified to see Smiler collapsed in the bath, her head covered with blood and a tea towel.
“I was horrified to see her lying there barely conscious. She and the bath were wet, and there was human shampoo and Flash household cleaner that had clearly been used on her,” Insp Bagley recalled.
Smiler had gaping wounds on her head, bruising, and a damaged tooth. Her eyes were swollen shut, requiring immediate flushing to remove the cleaning product. Vets later confirmed that her injuries were not accidental and that the chemicals applied would have caused extreme pain and suffering.
Despite Bell’s denial, he was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. After failing to attend his first sentencing hearing, he was arrested and later jailed. In addition to prison, Bell was permanently banned from keeping animals and ordered to pay a £121 victim surcharge.
Smiler spent a week under intensive veterinary care before she began to recover. The RSPCA reports that she is now brighter, happier, and steadily improving—gaining weight, with her skin and coat healing.
“She is a very sweet dog who loves people, and I can’t wait to hear that she’s thriving in a loving new home,” Insp Bagley said.
Smiler is currently safe at RSPCA Sheffield, where staff adore her. She will soon be placed for adoption to finally find the loving family she deserves.